The funds will be used to provide federally mandated training to miners. The grants cover training and retraining of miners working at surface and underground coal and metal mines.

 

In the past, some state recipients developed videos, DVDs, and other training materials through the grants. Other states have assisted mine operators to produce training plans addressing topics covered under federal regulations.

 

Training topics have included hazard recognition, accident prevention, occupational health, roof and ground control, ventilation, mine rescue, mine emergency operations, and certification for various jobs ranging from electricians to hoisting engineers.

 

West Virginia received $US535,860; Pennsylvania $US491,564; Virginia $US254,364; Illinois $US210,381; Alabama $US182,669; Indiana $US177,442; Kentucky $US600,800; and Wyoming $US176,831.

 

The grants are administered by state mine inspectors' offices, state departments of labor, or state-supported colleges and universities. Each grant recipient tailors the program to the needs of the state's miners and provides technical assistance.

 

The state grant program began in 1969 under the Coal Mine Safety and Health Act. The 1977 amendments to the act authorised the Mine Safety and Health Administration to spend up to $10 million annually to assist states in providing health and safety training to miners.